Loyalty lost in debacle: Bellamy

MELBOURNE coach Craig Bellamy says the drama of the current NRL coaching merry-go-round shows a lack of leadership from senior figures in the game.

Penrith dumped its coach Anthony Griffin, with a war of words erupting between he and Panthers general manager Phil Gould, while Brisbane has been involved in a bitter power struggle between coach Wayne Bennett and club hierarchy.

Ivan Cleary was forced to reassure the Wests Tigers he wasn’t about to leave for Penrith, while in another mess Trent Barrett is also reportedly set to quit Manly due to a lack of football department support.

Bellamy said it wasn’t a good look for the game and senior figures should be doing more to lead the way.

“We try and lead the way in trying to have our young men try and show respect to the game and the club and their teammates and to be honest and to be loyal,” the Melbourne mentor said.

“Some of the things that you see and read ... all those traits that we want in our players are not traits the leaders of our game are showing.

“You’d like to think there’s a bit more respect, loyalty and honesty in our game than the things that go on as it’s not a great look.”

Bellamy himself was involved in a tug of war between Melbourne and Brisbane earlier this season before deciding to stay with the Storm.

“It’s how you handle it,” Bellamy said.